Ex-governors want the environment to remain a priority in NJ

(AP) - Two former New Jersey governors have partnered on a campaign urging the Garden State's next leader to make the environment a priority after assuming office.

Once political rivals, former Govs. Jim Florio and Christie Whitman are now joined in expressing concern for how President-elect Donald Trump's administration may threaten environmental protection efforts nationwide.

Florio and Whitman noted that the environment has traditionally been an issue that New Jersey governors take seriously regardless of party affiliation. They believe the state needs to play a prominent role in setting future policy.

The ex-governors' campaign, "Green in '17," will support a number of environmental initiatives such as clean energy and park preservation ahead of the November election.

Whitman, a Republican, unseated the incumbent Florio, a Democrat, in New Jersey's 1993 gubernatorial race.